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External Media Bay: Dell™ Latitude™ CS/CSx Portable Computers User's Guide

bullet.gif (1107 bytes) Using the External Media Bay
bullet.gif (1107 bytes) Setting Up a Second Hard-Disk Drive

Using the External Media Bay

You can use the external media bay (see Figure 1) for the diskette drive that comes with your system. Alternatively, you can install an optional device (such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, SuperDisk LS-120, or second hard-disk drive) in the bay.

note.gif (515 bytes) NOTE:  If desired, you can use the media bay cable to connect a device directly to the external media bay connector, without using the external media bay.

To install a device in the external media bay, perform the following steps:

  1. If your computer is running the Dell-installed Microsoft® Windows NT® operating system with Softex Docking Services, or if it is running the Dell-installed Microsoft Windows® 95 or Windows 98 operating system with Softex Bay Manager: Right-click the Softex icon (the icon looks like a tiny open portable computer) in the system tray at the bottom right on your display, and select either Remove or Swap Devices or Insert Bay Devices.

    If your computer is not running one of the Softex programs: Save your work, close all open files and application programs, and turn off the computer.

NOTICE: When a device is not inside the external media bay, it is fragile and must be handled carefully to avoid damage. Do not press down on it or place a  heavy object on top of it. Place the device in a travel case to keep it free of dust and liquids. Store the device in a safe place.

  1. If the external media bay contains a device, remove the media bay cable from the back of the bay. Then remove the device by sliding the release latch on the bottom of the bay to the release position, holding it there, and pulling the device out of the bay.

  2. Slide the new device firmly into the external media bay.

    You should hear a click when the device is fully seated.

  3. Connect the media bay cable.

    Position the larger of the cable connectors with its shiny metal lip down, and connect it firmly to the back of the device through the slot in the back of the bay. Make sure that the securing clips are fully engaged and the connector is fully seated. Make sure that the other end of the cable is connected to the media bay connector on the right-hand side of the computer (see Figure 1).

Figure 1. External Media Bay

medbayin.gif (12103 bytes)

  1. If your computer is running Softex Docking Services or Softex Bay Manager: Click OK at the Softex Docking Services or Softex Bay Manager screen.  Click OK at the Device Removal screen (if it appears), and then click OK at the Device Configured screen.

    If you turned off the computer in step 1: Press the power button to turn the computer back on.
note.gif (515 bytes) NOTE: For the latest information on Softex Docking Services software, see http://www.dell.com/products/notebook/latitude/NT40.htm.

Setting Up a Second Hard-Disk Drive

The first time you install a second hard-disk drive in the external media bay, you must format that drive. For instructions, see the documentation that came with the device.


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